Page 11 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

More than alluring.

What I need is a plan. If I could just stop being distracted by the exposed flesh of her shoulder and arm... I push those thoughts aside. Focus, Kalen.

"Okay, em, Olivia," I say, flashing my most reassuring smile. "I have an idea. I'm going to get everyone out to the new patio area, then we'll sneak you upstairs. That will be step one at least. Sound good?"

She nods, still looking a little wild-eyed and like she might bolt at any second. But I think that’s kind of expected and I can’t say I blame her. Thankfully, I think she’s realized that there isnowhereto boltto.

"Great. Just stay put for a few minutes, alright? Deep breaths, okay? We’ll figure this out."

How, I have no idea.

Just before I head up, she speaks. “So, Kalen, I mean. Let’s pretend you are not a figment of my imagination. Then that would mean magic, and all those beasts ... and fairies ... it’s all real?”

“Of course, it’s all real ...”

For a split second I see a hint of a smile on her face. “Well, I have to admit, I mean, if I’m not nuts, that that would be pretty cool. Fascinating, as a matter of fact.”

“Then prepare to be fascinated.” I give her wink for good measure before I head back up the stairs, my mind racing.

Gods but I need to talk to Thokk or Elowen, but that'll have to wait. Right now, I just need to get Olivia somewhere safe without causing a scene. I still have the exotic dancer excuse to fall back on, but that’s a last resort.

I take a deep breath, plastering on my most winning smile as I head back out into the bar. Time to work some Kalen magic.

"Alright, folks!" I call out, clapping my hands. "Monsters, what are you doing in here? The real party is in the new beer garden. I didn’t sink a fortune into getting it built for nothing! Let’s go! First round outside is on the house!"

A cheer goes up, and soon I've got most of the patrons herded outside. Perfect. Now I just need to—

"Kalen, my good man!"

I turn to see Fiddle, the gnome, who just hopped up a stool and is eagerly leaning over the bar.

Great. Not.

"What can I do for you, Fid?" I ask, trying not to sound impatient – or annoyed.

"About that Cubicles and Chihuahuas campaign ..." he starts, and I have to fight the urge to groan.

"Rain check, okay?" I interrupt, patting him on the shoulder." Got a bit of a situation in the cellar. You understand. Please, enjoy the beer garden. I will try to catch up to you later, okay?"

He nods sagely. "Ah yes, the trials of running an establishment. Well, when you're free—"

But I'm already moving, heading back to where I leftOlivia. I find her pacing, muttering to herself random phrases ...

“That’s enough knowledge ... time to go back,” and then “cancel, cancel, cancel!”

What in the nine hells?

"Umm Olivia, you okay?" I ask, trying to sound both soothing and reassuring. "Coast is clear. Let's get you upstairs."

But no sooner do we get out onto the main bar room floor than I hear loud drunken voices coming around the corner from the main entryway.

Troll spit.

"Quick!" I hiss, guiding Olivia behind the bar. "Lay down in here!” I lift her to lay under the lip of the bar, literally laying directly under where the patrons sit up against it. “Stay here and don't make a sound."

She nods, wide-eyed, as I straighten up behind the bar just in time to greet the newcomers.

"Borgin! Grunk! What brings you boys in so late? Don’t you want to go out into the new beer garden?"

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